Isn't the space program a waste? Couldn't those billions of dollars be better spent on earth, and life here?

Question

Prior to the micro chip, innocent children were starving to death all over the earth because they haven't anything as basic as food.

Last time I checked, this was still the case.

What a bunch of shallow people.

Answer 1

I was saying the same thing....

Answer 2

I agree that going to Mars is a waste of money, but technology from the space program has made life better here on earth. The computer you are using on may be a little bigger than the palm of your hand, and may give you data in less than a second because of space technology. Many diagnostic devices and treatments such as MRIs and laser technology have made many invasive medical procedures obsolete. Thank God for these things. Thanks to space technology, people who would have lost their vision can see, one can have a gall bladder removed almost without being cut open; not to mention what we have learned about our universe that will enable us to take better care of our planet. And weather forecasting--countless lives have been saved due to better forecasting and radar which are a direct result of space technology. Yes, there are programs that are wasteful, and should be examined. But the many benefits listed here justify having a space program, in my opinion.

Answer 3

No! You've got it all wrong! OK, say we spend 3 billion dollars in the space exploration program. And we get four technological advances or new inventions (remember the micro-chip?), that will ultimately come down to new industries being formed, each industry spreading out (truck drivers, construction sites, security personnel, secretaries, technicians, scientists, managers, delivery personnel, warehouse workers, etc., and then we go into the manufacturing side of that business, the advertising, etc.... ) into yet many more billions of dollars in wages made by employees in a multitude of positions yet to be created! Those inventions, advances, improvements go directly into our workforce to support families... they create jobs and pay taxes and generate revenues... etc.

Answer 4

The science that comes from all those space missions has made life here better.
We know more about medicines and the human body because of this.
Not to mention the fact that all those space missions may be the only way humanity survives in the future.

Answer 5

Yes and no. Take a look at the inventions that have benefited us as a direct result of the space program.

Lest of all Tang (yuck)


But many many others.as well. Pure scientific research, or programs like the space program that generate lots of research, are catalysts for creativity and invention and drive our economy. We would all be losers if it were discontinued.

Answer 6

Although I agree with you in theory as far as it goes, I must say we have benefited by the space program. When humans fail to dream, all is lost. There will always be the poor, needy huddled masses. One must find ways to answer the myriad problems we have and still be able to follow our dreams.

Answer 7

I think the possibilities of space exploration could yield vast benefits in the future, the billions being spent on war is what pisses me off

Answer 8

Beleive it or not, but there would be a lot of things you use today that you wouldn't have, if it was for the space program. Many products we use were first developed for space use.

Answer 9

If the republicans continue wars that will eventually go Nuclear and devestate the Earth, then Space is all we have left...

Answer 10

No, I don't think so. Science has benifited greatly from space exploration and daily life has improved from things that were invented for those purposes.

Answer 11

Man is an inquisitive animal. If Columbus would have listened to someone like you we would not be in North American right now.